The Millhouse

Description

Set in its own beautiful, secluded grounds, the Millhouse provides exceptional 5 star accommodation in the heart of the Charente Maritime countryside. The relaxing surroundings combine with the charm of this historic Mill to provide you with the perfect way to unwind.
The property has 10 ensuite bedrooms in total, ALL en-suite, Wi-Fi throughout the house and grounds. There are 9 bedrooms in the main house and the availability of a completely separate self contained apartment at the East end of the property which has one bedroom, en suite bathroom with shower & toilet, lounge/diner & fully fitted kitchen.
The Millhouse which was voted one of the 25 best villas in Europe by Conde Nast is the perfect venue for your vacation or French Wedding/Celebration or both if combined and the enthusiastic owners will be at hand to help you have a memorable stay.





#### Features
1) Main House + 1 bedroom + 1 z-bed in Self-Contained Apartment: 21 pax
2) Main House + 1 bedroom in Self-Contained Apartment: 20 pax
3) Main House Only: 18 pax
Main House Interior (9 en-suite bedrooms)
Originally a functioning Watermill producing flour (the wheel is intact and still turns plus the original bread oven is still in place) it has undergone major restoration and refurbishment by the enthusiastic owners.
The accommodation has large spacious reception rooms with beautifully furnished contemporary interiors and outside there are wide sun and shaded terraces with extensive grounds and a large 12x6,m salt water, heated swimming pool with an attached 4x3m kids pool. There is also traditional charentais stone BBQ area.
As you walk through the main entrance door to the mill there is a spacious foyer with the main stairway leading to the upper floor giving access to the east and west wing bedrooms. This large foyer can be used for a number of activities either exercising on our step machine, or aerobics using the small weights, and gym fitness ball, reading, relaxing or just simply enjoying the ambience of the mill while having a coffee and a chat on the comfy sofa.
To the left of the entrance foyer is a large formal dining room, which comfortably seats up to 20 people. The dining room is where the millstream runs through the house to the Mill-wheel at the rear of the property and there is small wall suitable for seating and viewing the stream via a toughened glass-viewing panel (safety glass). This is a particularly nice feature as the stream is illuminated at night.
To the rear of the dining room through a small passage is a fully equipped utility/laundry room with washing machine, tumble dryer, disabled toilet, baby bath and cleaning equipment. Next door is the garden room with a separate downstairs WC with large shower, vanity unit with a hairdryer. The 'Garden room' opens out to the rear gardens and doubles as an extra bedroom with twin beds to accommodate additional adults or children in the party.
Adjacent to the dining room there is a large salon that has the traditional Charantais fireplace with three large comfy couches and entertainment in the form of a huge plasma television which has Freesat (just bring your own SKY card), Blu-ray DVD, and a quality music system. Passing through the salon you enter the large open plan modern kitchen, which is fully fitted with the latest American style fridge, 5 ring gas hob, two full sized electric ovens and microwave. There is a central island which houses the sink, two dishwashers, 2 drawer drinks fridge, Wine cave, and is a great place to congregate when cooking. There is also a large ancient rectangular dining table and chairs perfect for having breakfast with family or friends.
Downstairs the double doors at the rear of the kitchen lead you outside to a large 60m2 covered wooden decked patio area with a large table and chairs which is a perfect place for Al-fresco dining in the morning, lunchtime or evening, or just relaxing during the heat of the day as this is one of the shadiest spots.
Upstairs the large balcony area, which contains two large comfy couches and a large well stocked Library with novels, children's books and magazines, is a perfect place for reading and relaxing and having a coffee during the day or a nice glass of wine in the evening. Leading off the balcony area are the East and West wings of the house which contain the 5 double en-suite bedrooms and 3 twin en-suite bedrooms. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished in an eclectic style mixing ancient with modern in a traditional setting with honey coloured Charantais stone walls and solid oak flooring. These bedrooms and bathrooms have been lovingly restored to compliment the rest of the mill without sacrificing the modern necessities of bathrooms and showers.
Outside Grounds

The Millhouse has a wealth of facilities which include: huge swimming pool area incorporating a 12mx6m heated salt-water swimming pool with sun loungers, plus integrated 4mx3m kids pool. A large 15m decking area, which houses the poolside Cabana with comfy seating and fans. At the poolside there is a Douche Soleil (Solar heated pool shower). In the rear gardens we have a children's playground with swing set, slide, trampoline, and a lovely wooden Wendy house. Charentais stone built BBQ at the pool area, Weber Genesis gas BBQ. Satellite TV, DVD and CD player with I-pod docking, Wi-Fi enabled. 2 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. Garden games (Badminton), table tennis table, numerous board games and library with a large selection of books and magazines.
Self-contained Apartment (max. cap. 2 adults + 1 child under 12)

There are two single beds in the lounge area and a z-bed, suitable for a child under 12 years of age. This fully furnished self-contained apartment is equipped with a 42'' flat screen TV with a blue-ray DVD player. Outside there is a large terrace with outdoor seating, perfect for some al-fresco dining.

#### Location
Close to the historic towns of Saintes, Cognac, Taillebourg, St Jean D'Angely and only 40 minutes from lovely beaches in the area, the Millhouse is in a wonderful location. There is easy access to Angouleme, the capital of the Charente, the major train stations, international airports, and only 4 hours from St Malo ferry port.
The Charente Maritime region is exceptionally sunny, and has its own micro climate as a result of the Azores' anticyclone, making for mild springs and pleasant autumns. Along its 470 kilometers of coastline, the Charente Maritime has around 110 beautiful sandy beaches. Needless to say, seafood is a speciality here. It is steeped in culture and history and boasts 500 years of Maritime history from the imposing outline of Fort Boyard to the stocky coastal fortifications of La Rochelle. Inland and around the area it boasts over 400 stunning Romanesque churches. It is a place where the land meets the sea and is reflected in the beautiful shades of the wooden shutters adorning the honey coloured sandstone houses.
The house sits among the farms and vineyards that produce the famous Pineau Charente aperitif grapes which produce a sweet wine and is located approximately 14 kilometers from the main Saintonge city of Saintes (saintonge means saintes area). Saintes was originally a roman town situated on the banks of the Charente river. At most times during the year there are various festivals and markets selling local produce, fresh fish, seafood,poultry, fruit and vegetables.
The nearest major airport would be Bordeaux (Merignac Airport) which is about 1-1/2 hrs drive away. La Rochelle a slightly smaller airport is located 45 minutes drive away and there are many budget airlines flying from the UK to La Rochelle.

Paris is about 4-1/2 hours drive from the mill. The mill is also accessible via TGV trains from Paris and the nearest station is Saintes or St Jean D'Angely. Both towns are about 15 - 20 minutes drive away.